Stalk cutter



Jan. 5, 1937. P. W SPELL 2,067,104

STALK CUTTER l l Filed May 8, 1935 l 5 Sheets-Sheet l "far Jan. `5, 19374. 1 V P, W SPELL 2,067,104

STALK CUTTER Filed May 8, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 www y.

@tkm/Mang Jan. 5, 137.. F. W. SPELL ZQWM STALK CUTTER Filed May 8, 1935 5 vsheets-sheet 3 Jan. 5, 1937.

P, W. SPELL STALK CUTTER y Filed May 8, '1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 P. W. vsF'ELl. 2,067,104

STALK CUTTER Jan. 5, 1937.

Filed May 8, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Jan. 5, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFicE s'rALx CUTTER Perry W. Spell, Itoseboro, N. C. Application May s, 1935, serial N0. 20,458

24AClaims.

'This invention relates to stalk cutters andv is an improvement over the structure shown in my prior Patents Nos. 1,713,197, granted May ,14, 1929, and 1,808,266 granted June 2, 1931.

provide a greatly improved type of stalk cutter for uprooting and cutting stalks such as those oi! corn, cotton and -similar plants, and to cut such stalks in relatively small pieces to permit them to be turnedunder the soil for fertilizing purposes.

.A further object of the invention is to provide a novel form of plow for uprootlng the stalks whereby they may be conveyed tothe cutters.

A further object is to provide a novel arrangement of parts for preventing the accumulation of twigs,'trash, etc. between the plow beam and the lower cutter.

A further object is to provide novel means for adjusting the cutting depth of the plow.

A further object is to provide'novel means for elevating the forward end of the apparatus to raise the plowshare above the surface of the ground while'the apparatus is beingv turned.

A further object is to provide novel means for locking the forward end ofthe apparatus in vertically adjusted positions.

A further object is to provide noveldraft means for the apparatus to ,permit the forward end to swing laterally to accommodate itself to irregularities in the line of stalks to be cut.

a A further object is to provide draft connections leading toi the rear end of 'the apparatus to effect forward movement ofthe apparatus from such rear end, and to provide novel means for steering the forward end of the apparatus laterally whenever necessary. y

A further object is to provide novel adjustable fw guide shoes for the forward end of the apparatus v Figure 1 is aside elevation, the forward vend of the draft connections andiassociated parts 5 being broken away,

An important yobject yof the invention is to Figure 2 is a plan view of the same, parts being shown in section, v

Figure 3 is a front elevation of the apparatus,

Figure 4 is a rear elevation of the same.

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail sectional view on 5 line 5-5 of Figure 4,

Figure. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of line 6-'6 of Figure '7.

Figure 7 is a' vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 1-1 of Figure 2, .1 10

Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view on line 8 8 of Figure 7,

9 is a similar view on line 9 9 of Figure l Figure 10 is a reduced plan view of the entire 15 apparatus,

Figure 11 is a. detail horizontal sectional view on line II-II of Figure 1,

Figure 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of one of the guide shoe supporting and associated parts,

Figure'13 is a vertical sectional view online I3I3 of Figure 7,

lFigure 14 is a fragmentary plan view of one corner of the frame of the apparatus, the corner '25 post being shown in section,

Figure 15 is a-fragmentary elevation of the lathing means at the forward end of the frame, an l Figure 16 is a perspective view of the plow and associated parts. 3

Referring to the drawings, the numeral I0 designates a pair of spaced parallel upper frame members, preferably formed of angle iron vand spaced above a similar pair of lowerA frame members Il. The upper frame 'members are connected by a transverse relatively heavy plate I2 see Figures 2 and 9) and a somewhat similar plate I3 is connected between the lower frame members II 'The plates I2 and I3 are arranged substantially centrally of the length of the frame members I Il and II and act as braces therebetween. --The plates also perform other functions to be described. The rear ends of the upper and lower frame members I0 and II are connected by vertical braces Il, as shown in Figures l, 4, and 7.. A transverse plate I5 is connected across the upper frame members I0,

, and a somewhat similar plate I6 is arranged beneath and parallel to the plate I5 and secured Vat its ends in' a manner to be described. At 50 the forward end of the frame, each frame member I0 extends downwardly and then forwardly and has its end connected to a transverse brace I5. The ends of this brace are. secured -to ver-V 55 brackets 2 y tical posts I6 anchored at their lower ends to the frame members II.4 The upper ends of the posts I6 have their extremities I1 vertically slidable in openings I8' formed in a cross membei' I1 (see Fig'ure 14).

'I'he rear end of the frame is adapted to be supported by relatively large wheels I8 and I9 provided with cleats 28 and supported on an axle 2|. The Wheel I8 is preferably freely rotatable on the shaft or axle 2| to permit independent rotation of the wheels when turning at the end of one'roW to start down the next row. The wheel I9 is preferably keyed or splined to the axle 2| as at 22.k Thus it will be apparent that the axle 2| is driven by the wheel I9, and rotation of the shaft 2| is utilized for driving the elements of the apparatus to be described.

The axle 2| is journaled in bushings 23 carried by journal blocks 24 arranged adjacent the respective vertical frame members I4. The ends of the plate I6 are turned downwardly and then inwardly, as shown in Figure 8, and are bolted as at 24 to the upper faces of the blocks 24 for a purpose which will become apparent. Each block 24 carries a bolt 25 projecting through a slot 26 in the adjacent member I4,and each block 24 has a flat face 21 slidable against the adjacent face of the member I4. A stop member 28 isarranged inwardly of the slot 26, as shown in Figure 5. A nut 29 is threaded on the bolt 25 and is adapted to be tightened against the member 28. This stop member has its upper end broadened as at 30 to engage against the lower end of a block 3I, slidable in the frame member I4, and provided at one side with a projecting lug `32 selectively engageable in openings 33 formed in the member I4. straddles the open face of the member I4 and has its base portion secured to the block 3| by a screw 35. IThe free ends of the arms of the yoke 34 are connected by a pin 36 against which is secured the central portion of a leaf spring 3T, the free ends of this spring engaging against the member I4. The elements just described are provided for securing vertical adjustment of the rear end of` the frame, and each block 24 is provided With a knife bearing 38 for a purpose to be described.

Referring to Figure 8, the numeral 39 designates a bevel gear freely mounted on the axle 2| and having a hub engageable by a clutch collar 48 splined on the axle. as at 4I and urged toward the bevel gear by a spring 42. The clutch element and the hub of the bevel gear are provided with interengaging positive clutch mem bers 43. A collar 44 engages the outer end of the spring 42, and means is provided for moving the clutch collar against the tension of the spring to disengage the clutch. Such means comprises a level 45 pivotally connected as at 46 to the plate I6 and having its lower end forked and provided with pins 41 operative for moving the collar 40.

A bevel pinion 48 meshes with the gear 39 and the pinions and gears are enclosed within a housing 58 secured to the plate I6. The bevel pinion is carried by a vertically extending shaft 5I, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. A housing 52 is supported on the plater I6 and has an upstanding annular flange 53 surrounding the shaft 5I. A second housing 54 is secured tov-the shaft 5I and is provided with a depending annular ange 55 surrounding and concentric with the flange 53. Anti-friction rollers 56 are arranged between the flanges 53 and 55 and are A yoke member 34.

protected by the casing 54. The casing 52 forms a grease retaining cup for the anti-friction bearings.

The upper end of the shaft 5I projects through the plate I5 and is journaled in bearing means similar to the bearing means just described. Such means comprises casings 51 and 58, carried respectively by the plate I5 and shaft 5| and including concentric flanges between which are mounted anti-friction rollers 59. As shown in Figures 2 and 7, a relatively large sprocket 60 is mounted on the upper end of the shaft 5| and is splined-thereto as at 60' to permit upward movement of the sprocket with respect to the shaft for a purpose to be described. A chain 6I passes around the sprocket 60 and around a second smaller sprocket 62 mounted on the upper end of a vertical shaft 63. This shaft is journaled at its upper end in bearing means 64 similar to the bearing means for the shaft 5|. The lower end of the shaft 63 is journaled in a bearing 65 supported by the plate I3.v The shaft 63 carries a plurality of rotary cutting blades 66 for a purpose to be described.

As will become apparent, the blades 66 rotate constantly during the operation of the apparatus and a sharpening stone 68 is provided for sharpening the blades. 'I'his stone is shown in detail in Figure 11 of the drawings and is circular inA shape. The stone is vertically slidable on a shaft 69 supported at its upper and lower ends by arms 18 the free ends of which are pivotally supported as at 1I by the adjacent longitudinal frame members I0 and II. A locking member 12 is adapted to lock the sharpening' stone in the inoperative position shown in solid lines in Figure 11 orin the operative position shown in dotted lines. 'I'he member 12 is in the form of a rod pivotally connected at one end to one of the arms 10 and having its opposite end turned downwardly for selective engagement in openings 'I3 formed in the adjacent frame member II.

A vertical shaft 14 is journaled at its upper end in bearing means 15 carried by the plate I2 and at its lower end in a bearing 16 carried by the plate I3. The upper end of the shaft 14 carries a relatively large sprocket 11 several teeth of which are engaged by the chain 6I to rotate the sprocket 11, but at a slower speed than the sprocket 62. The sprockets 60, 62, and 11 are protected by a suitable housing 18, as clearly shown in Figures 1, '1, and 9.

The shaft 14 carries a plurality of disks 19 each .of which is provided with a plurality of outstanding radial fingers 80.v The disks correspond in number and arrangement to certain of the cutters 66 and each disk 19 is arranged just beneath the plane of its associated cutter, as clearly shown in Figure 9. The shaft 14 likewise carries upper and lower sprockets 8| corresponding in position to the top and to the next to the bottom cutter 66 and arranged slightly below the respective planes thereof. The lowermost cutter 66 is associated with a similar rotary cutter 82 carried by the shaft 14, the two cutters being provided` in this instance because of the fact that they operate against the thickest portion of a' stalk. Toward the forward end of the frame and near the bottom thereof a shaft 83 is journaled in a laterally extending arm 84 carried by the adjacent longitudinal frame member II. A sprocket 85 is rotatably supported by the shaft 83 and a chain 86 passes around this sprocket 75 and around the sprocket 8| previously described. The chain 86 carries aplurality of outstanding fingers 81 similar to the fingers 88 carried by the disks 19. The chain 86 is-supported between its two sprockets by the lower vof two pairs of rails 88, the'forward ends of which also may be supported by the bracket 84. The rear ends of the pairs of rails are supported respectively by (cross pieces 89 extending between the rear frame members |4 (see Figure 1). d

At the forward end of the frame andnear the top thereof a sprocket 98 is journaled on a shaft 9| supported by the brace |5'. A chain 93 passes around the sprocket\98 and around the upper sprocket 8| previously described, and thechain 93l carries outstanding ngers 94, similar to the fingers 81.

forward ends of which are supported by the brace I5. The inner runs of the chains 86 and 83 are spaced from guide rails 95, parallel thereto and fixed with respect to the main frame.

As shown in Figures-2 and 9, the Yfingers of the inner runs of the chains 66 and 93 extend to'V points adjacent theguide rails 95. Thus these ngers are adapted to engage vertical plant stalks and move them rearwardly toward the cutting blades.

In their movement rearwardly toward the cutting blades the lower vportions of the plant stalks stalk it provides a jerking motion tending to shake the dirt loose from the roots of the stalk.

A pairof"movable shoes 91 is arranged at the forward end`of the apparatus. These shoes are engageable with the ground to slide thereover and to guide the forward end of the `apparatus A'with respect to the stalks to cause the latter to properly enter the apparatus. The shoes 91 have their forward ends turned outwardly as .at 98, and @these ends of the shoes turn upwardly as indicated in` Figure 1.v The `rear portions 89 of the shoes are parallel to eachother. Each shoe is-provided with a pair of U-bolts |88 or similar elements which engage and move in grooves |8| formed in a trunnion |82 (see Figure 12). Each of these trunnions is carried by a tapered bracket |83 having an arcuate'flange |84 at its outer, -end-'engageable against a similar arcuate face |85 formed at the lower endl of each vertical frame member |6 and slotted as at los. Bolts o1 extend through the slot |86 at' each side of the apparatus and through bolt openings |88 in the ange |84, `thus permitting vertical adjustment of the ange |84 to change the-angularity of the trunnion |86, and consequently the angularity of each shoe 91, ac-

4cording to the slope of the hill of stalks along which the apparatus is operating. The U-bolts |88` provide .pivotal supporting means for the shoes to permit them to swing up and down at their forward and rear ends and thus facilitate the movement of the apparatus over the ground.

A plow beam indicated by the numeral |89 is arranged beneath thejapparatus, and the beam is 4preferably solid and'rectangular in cross-section. A-plow point ||2 is arrangedat the forward end of the apparatus to uproot the stalks .y and the plow point includes upwardly extending spacedparallel blades ||3 which tend to cutl Betweenl its. sprockets the chain 93. is supported on the upper pair of rails-88, the

olf laterally outstanding roots. vThe plow point normally operates substantially in the positionshown in Figure 1 to engage the stalks suiiiciently deeply in the ground to uproot them.

Intermediate. its ends the plow beam is provided with an elongated slot ||4, and rearwardly of this slot the plowA beam slopes upwardly to a greater extent than the forward end -of the beam. The slot ||4 is provided to receive a vertical attaching member ||6. This member l and the beam |89 are provided with registering openings to receive a transverse bolt` ||1 to secure the elements referred to to each other with the plow beam pivoting about the bolt to partake of suitableA adjustment in a manner to be l described. The attaching member ||6 is provided with a fiat rear portion ||9 by means of which itis secured against the bottom of the plate I3, and the forward end of the attaching member ||6 slopes upwardly as at |28 to 2 guide material on the top of the plow beam to the lowermost blade 66 and to prevent any accumulation of such material beneath the bottom blade. Near its rear end the beam |89 is provided with upstanding `lugs |22 for a purpose 25 width of the apparatus adjacent the rear end thereof, and this post is preferably of channeled 3 v'cross section. A transverse frame member |21 is v(connected across the rear ends of the upper frame members I8 as shown in Figures 4 and 7. and the Vupper end of the post |26 issecured to the' member |21. The lower end of the post |26 also is suitably braced, and \for this purpose angularly arranged braces |28 are connected between thel post |26 and the vertical frame members I4. The he'ad |23 at the rear end of the plow beam is arranged within the lower end of 4. f

the post |26 and the adjacent rear wall of this post is curved as .at |29 toconform to the Aarcuate shape of the rear end of the'head |23. The curved wall portion |29 is provided with a se ies of slots |38 in one corner thereof, these s ots corresponding in relationshipto the relationship ofthe slots |24. A

A vertical shaft |3| is arranged rearwardly of the post |26 and isjournaled in upper and lower bearings |32 and |33. T he upper end of the shaft 55 y |3| is provided with an operating-handle |34, and Y a locking member |35 is carried by the lower end of the shaft 3| and isprovided with. a plurality of fingers |36 movable through the slots |38 for engagement with the slots |24 (as shown in'Figure 60 I 1 6) This means is provided for locking the rear end of the plow beam in any vertically adjusted position.

The draft means for the apparatus is connected to the rear end thereof to permit the forward end y of the frame to move laterally and thus compensate for irregularities in the'line of the stalks. A transverse draft bar |31 extends across the rear of the apparatus and is pivotally connected as at |38 to the' upper'end of a bracket |39. The-70 bracket |39 preferably includes spaced parallel members as shown in Figure 4 and the lower ends of these bracket membersv are connected to the inner end :portions of the lower braces |28, as at |48. The outer ends of the draft 7 bar |31 are connected to draft links |4I (see Figures 2 and 10) and the forward ends of the links I4I are connected to a whliiietree |42 to which are connected singletrees |43. In this connection it will be noted that the apparatus is particularly adapted to-be drawn along over the ground by mules or horses although it will be apparent that the apparatus is not limited to the particular draft means employed.

As shown in Figures 2, 14, and 15, the upper ends |1' of the forward vertical frame members' I6 are slidable in the transverse member I1 and the outer ends of the member |1 are provided with horizontally curved bearing recesses as at |44. 'Ihese curved portions are engaged by the correspondingly curved portions |45 of side bars |46 which diverge toward their rear ends. A

. transverse bar |41 moves across the top of the plate I2 in suitable guides |48, and the bar |41 ispivotally connected at its ends to the rear ends of the bars |46 as at |49. Forwardly of the frame member |44, the bars |46 converge as at |50 and terminate in a single forwardly extend- .ing tongue I 5| adapted to be supported by the draft animals or means employed for propelling the apparatus. As shown in Figure l, the side -bars |46 are arranged outwardly of the horizontal frame members I and thus are adapted to engage the latter to limit the swinging movement of the forward end of the main frame of the apparatus with respect to the side bars |46.

The arrangement referred to permits the forward end of the main frame to swing laterally within reasonable limits to compensate for inaccuracies in the line of the'stalks and such movement of the frame is effected by engagement of the shoes 91 with the stalks as the apparatus moves over the ground. Steering means, how-l ever, is provided for swinging the forward end of the main frame where such action is necessary to cause the stalks to enter betweenJthe shoes 91. A steering wheel |52 is arranged adjacent the rear end of the apparatus and in a position to be controll2d by an operator occupying a seat |53. The steering wheel |52 operates a spool |54 around which pass a number of tunis of a rope or cable |55. The two ends of this cable extend forwardly from the spool |54 and thence around a pulley |56 supported on the plate I2, and the ends of the cable are connected to the respective side bars |46 as at |51. Operation 0f the steering wheel thus moves the forward end of the main frame wlthrespect to the respective side bars |46 to steer the forward end of the apparatus within reasonable limits where such action is necessary to cause the stalks to enter between the shoes 91.

Means are provided for elevating the forward end of the main frame of the apparatus to move the plow point from the ground when the apparatus is turned. As shown in Figures 3, 14, and l5, the cross member |`l is provided with a pair of pulleys |58. A cable |59 passes over each pulley |58 and is connected at its lower end as at |60 to the lower ends of one of the posts I6. Each of the cables |59 extends rearwardly for connection as at |6| to a crank |62, and these cranks are carried by a transverse shaft |63 supported in bearings |84 carried by the posts I4. The shaft |63 also may be supported intermediate its length by a bearing |65 suspended from the plate I5.

An operating lever |68 is connected to the shaft |63 and is provided with a detent |61 engageable in the notches of a quadrant |68 whereby the shaft |63 may be locked in selected positions. The operation of the handle |66 exerts a pull on the rear ends of the cables |59 to lift the frame with respect to the side bars |46. In this connection it will be noted that the tongue is supported at its forward end by the draft animals and the cross bar |41 has sufficient play within its guides |48 to permit the forward end of the main frame to swing with respect to the side bars |46 whereby the frame may be elevated in the manner stated to lift the plow point from the ground when the apparatus is turning.

Referring to Figure 13, the numeral |69 designates an elongated sleeve surrounding the shaft |63 and provided adjacent one end with an operating handle adapted to be locked in selected positions by a detent |1| engageable in the notches of a quadrant |12. One end of the sleeve |69 is provided with a collar portion |13 from which a crank |14 projects (see Figure '1). A rod is connected at its upper end to the free end of the crank |14 and has its lower end pivotally connected to the plow beam |09 within the slot |25. 'Ihis means is employed for raising and lowering the rear end of the plow beam.

As previously stated the lever |66 may be operated to elevate the forward end of the main frame and means is provided for locking the parts in adjusted position to relieve the quadrant |68 of undue strain. Referring to Figures 1, 14, and 15, the numeral |16 designates a leaf spring secured intermediate its ends to the rear face of the cross member I1 as at |16 yand having its ends forming ratchet pawls |11. Each pawl |11 is engageable with ratchet teeth |18 formed in the rear edge of each vertical frame member I6', and each pawl is releasable by exerting a rearward pull on a cable |19. Each cable is connected at its forward end to one of the pawls |11 and at its rear end to one end of a crass bar |82 (see Figure 2). The bar |82 constitutes a handle which may be pulled rearwardly to release both of the pawls or latches |11` when the forward end of the frame is to be raised or lowered, and any suitable means (not shown) may be employed for supporting the bar Means also are provided for elevating the rear end of the apparatus, which is important for the practical operation thereof. For example, when the apparatus is vused over relatively soft ground, the supporting wheels I8 and I9 will tend to embed themselves in the ground, thus lowering the elements adjacent the rear end of the apparatus a distance corresponding to the depth to which the wheels sink into the ground. Each of the bearing blocks 24 (see Figure 5) is provided with a knife bearing 38, as previously stated, and each of these bearings is offset from the plane of the adiacent post I4. Each bearing 38 is engageable in a notch |84 formed in a lever |85, and the rear ends of the two levers are connected by a treadle |86. The forward ends of the levers |85 are connected by links |61 to the lower frame members |I. The elements described are adapted to elevate the lower end of the apparatus in a marmer to be del* scribed.-

A leveler |88 is arranged rearwardly of the apparatus and is preferably in the form of a subleveler is carried by the rear arm |89 of a lever which is pivotally `supported as at |90 by the vertical post |26. The lever arm |89 is substantially arcuate as clearly shown in Figure '7.

associated elements, including the rods |4| and bar |31. Accordingly the propelling power is transmitted to the 'apparatus at the rear end.

thereof, thus permitting the forward end to swing freely within reasonable limits transversely of the direction of movement. In the normal operation of vthe apparatus the shoes 91 slide over opposite sides of the hill in which the stalks are rooted and the plow point I|2 is maintained at a uniform depth in the ground to uproot the stalks.` The shoes .91 are adjusted by the means shown in Figure 12 so that they may accommodate themselves to the angles of the side of 'the hill as indicated in Figure 3, and the pivotal connection of the shoes with the trunnions |02 permits the shoes'to tiltfforwardly and rearwardly to facilitate passage over uneven ground.

At the time the plant roots are engaged by the plow point, or slightly 'prior thereto, the ngers 94 of the upper chain 93 will engage the stalk and as the apparaus moves forwardly, the upper1 end of the stalk will move between the guide 95 and the adjacent run of the chain. 93. Immediately after the uprooting of the stalk commences the lingers 81 of the lower chain will function in the same manner as the fingers 94,

and the lower portion of the stalk will be guided between the lower guide 95 and the adjacent run of the chain 86. 'Ihe chains and guides maintain `the stalk substantially in a vertical position as the uprooting action continues, and the forward ,end of the plow beam is substantially parallel to the chains to tend to feed the stalks upwardly. The bottom blade of the plow point cuts 'the root-completely free from the.

ground at-the bottom of theplant while the rootsare completely freed at the side of the plow point by the anges II3.

As the stalk reaches a point adjacent the cutting blades 66, it is additionally engaged by the fingers 80 of the disks 19, and accordingly the stalk is pressed toward the cutting blades at .points adiacent each blade except the lowermost blade. In connection' with the latter blade, however, it `will be noted that a double cutting action is provided in view, of the additional blade 82 on the shaft 14, this double cutting action being provided in view of the greater thickness of the stalks near the bottom thereof. Thus the stalk will be cut into a number of small'pieces which will fall to the ground to be turned under and thus rot in the soil and 'act as fertilizer. The sloping edge |20 of the plow beamattachingmeans (see Figures 7 and 16) feeds any |8 and I9 whenthe apparatus isbeing turned.

The wheel I9, however, rotates the shaft 2| to drive the gear .39 and thus rotate the pinion 48 and shaft 5|. The shaft 5| drives the sprocket 60, and the chain 6| driven by this sprocket drives the sprockets 62 and 11. Obviously the sprocket 62 will be driven at a relatively high speed in view of its small diameter, and thus the cutting blades 66 also will be driven at a high rate of' speed. The chains 86 and 93 will be driven at much slower speed, and their linear speed with respect to the frame of the vehicle vis substantially-equal to the speed of movement of the apparatus over the ground.

When it is desired to elevate the forward end of the frame and support it in elevated position, as when turning from the end of one row to the adjacent end of the next row the lever |66 is employed for 4this purpose. The operator first pulls rearwardly on the bar |82, thus pulling the pawls |11 rearwardly, whereupon the operation of the lever |66 rocks th shaft |63 and its cranks |62. This action pulls the cables |59 ,rearwardly thus elevating the forward end of the frame with respect to the side bars |46, and when the proper elevation is reached, the bar |82 is released. Thus the forward end of the frame will be supported in any adjusted position andmay be released by again pulling rear- Wardly on the bar |82 and unlatching the pawls |11 whereupon the lever |66 may be moved forwardly to lower the forward end of the frame.

' The cutting depth of the Vplow point alsol may be adjustedas desired. To accomplish this, the operator rst moves the handle |34 to rotate the shaft |3| and thus disengage the fingers |36 from the slots |24. The operator then may move the lever |10 rearwardly, swinging the arm |14 and rod |15 downwardly, thus depressing the rear end of lthe plow beam and elevating the forward end thereof. If a deeper plow c'ut is desired the handle |10 may be pushed forwardly, and when the proper depth is reached the handle |34 is again moved to rotate the fingers |36 into the slots I 24.

The earth thrown up by the plowis leveled olf by the leveler |88 at the rear loffthe apparatus. This member -is preferably actuated by the rear end of the plow beam through the lever arms |89 and |9I. When the rear end of the plow beam is depressed to elevate the plow point, less leveling is required and under such conditions the lever arms referred to slightly elevate the leveler. Conversely, the leveler/will be lowered to 'some extent as the plow point.

tendency of the supporting wheels to sink into the ground, he may` depress the treadle |86. This action causes rthe levers |85 to pivotfabout their knife bearings 38, thus moving the fore ward ends of the levers |85 upwardly to exert an upward force-on the links 81.

The knife bearings 38 are fixed against downward movement since they are supported with respect tothe axle 2|, and accordingly the links |81 transmit a lifting action to the portions of the frame members II to which they are con: nected.

Substantially rearwardly of the center of gravity Since these points of connection lie of the apparatus, it will be apparent that the rear end of the apparatus will be elevated while the supporting shoes 91 at the forward end of the apparatus continue to slide over the surface of the ground. The cross bar I6 (see Figure 8) which supports the gear housing and the bearings for the shaft 5|, is xed with respect to the bearing housings 24 and thus remains in fixed relation with respect to the axle and supporting wheels. The shaft 5| is also similarly fixed with respect to the axle, and when the rear end of the apparatus is elevated in the manner stated, alll of the remaining portions of the apparatus are elevated adjacent the rear end thereof, including the sprocket 6D, and upward movement of the latter with respect to the shaft .5| is permitted by reason of the splined connection 66 between the shaft 5| and the sprocket 60. Thus the operator is free at any time to exert a downward force on the treadle |86 to elevate the rear end of the apparatus for the purpose stated.

During transportation of the apparatus from one point to another, all of the various parts of the apparatus may be rendered inoperative. The forward end of the frame may be elevated and latched in elevated position by themeans described, and the clutch operating lever 45 may be moved to disengage the clutch 40. Under such conditions there will be no rotation of the bevel gear 39 and accordingly the various operating parts of the lapparatus will remain inoperative.

It is nevernecessary to demount any of the cutters 66 in order to sharpen them. The stone 66 may be swung to the dotted line position shown in Figure 11 and arranged over any of the-blades 66 and the stone rests by virtue of its own weight on the blade to engage the latter and continuously sharpen it during the operation of the apparatus as long as desired. This operation may be repeated with respect to each of the cuttersy 66, thus maintaining them in a sharpened condition. When not in operation, the stone 68 may remain in the inoperative position shown in solid lines in Figure 11.

It is to be understood that the form of the invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same and that various changes in the shape', size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to Without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

I claim:

1. A stalk cutter comprising a frame having forward and rear ends, supporting wheels for the rear end of said frame, stalk cutting means carried within said frame, supporting shoes for the forward end of said frame'engageable with the surface of the ground, said shoes being spaced apart for the passage of stalks therebetween to guide the stalks to said stalk cutting means, and means connecting said shoes to said frame to permit them to swing on axes substantially transversely of said frame.

2. A stalk cutter comprising a frame having swing on axes substantially transversely of said frame, and means for adjustably connecting said supports to the forward end of said frame to vary the transverse angles of said shoes with .said plow beam for pivotally connecting it to said frame, and means for securing .the rear end of said plow beam in selective vertically adjusted positions to vary the depth of the cut of said plow point.

4. A stalk cutter comprising a frame having forward and rear ends, supporting wheels .for the rear end of said frame, supporting 4means for the forward end of said frame, a plow beam extending longitudinally of said frame and having a plow point at its forward end normally movable under the surface of the earth to uproot stalks therefrom, means intermediate the ends of said plow beam for pivotally connecting it to said frame, a vertical gide member for the rear end of said plow beam, said guide member and the rear end of said plow beam being provided with openings, and lock means passing into said openings to lock the rear end of said plow beam in selective vertically adjusted positions to vary the depth of the cut of said plow point.

5. A stalk cutter comprising a frame having forward and rear ends, supporting wheels for the rear end of said frame, supporting means for the forward end of said frame, a plow beam extending longitudinally of said frame and having a plow point at its forward end normally movable under the surface of the earth to uproot stalks therefrom, means'intermediate the ends of said plow beam for pivotally connecting it to said frame, a head carried by the rear end of said plow beam and provided in its rear portion with a plurality of slots, a vertical guide channel carried by the rear end of said frame and receiving said head, said channel being provided with a slot, and a locking nger movable through the slot in said guide channel and engageable in one of the slots in said head to lock the rear end of said plow beam in selective vertically adjusted positions to vary the depth of the cut of said plow point.

6. A stalk cutter comprising a frame having -forward and rear ends, supporting wheels for the rear end of said frame, supporting means for the forward end of said frame, a plow beam extending longitudinally of said frame and having a plow point at its forward end normally movable under the surface of the earth to uproot stalks therefrom, means intermediate the ends of said plow beam for pivotally connecting it to said frame, a head carried by the rear end of said plow beam andA provided in its rear portion with a plurality of slots, a vertical guide channel carried by the rear end of said frame and receiving said head, said channel being provided with a slot, a shaft arranged parallel to said channel and having an operating handle at its upper end, a locking finger carried `by said shaft adjacent its lower end and movable through the slot in said channel and engageable in one of the slots in said head to lock the rear end of said plow beam in vertically adjusted positions to vary the depth of the cut of said plow point, and means forv raising and lowering the. rear end of said plow beam when said finger is released from said head.

7. Apparatus constructed in vaccordance with claim 6 wherein the means for raising and lowering the rear end of said plow beam comprises 'a rotatable'member, an operating lever connected to said rotatable member, a crank carried bysaid rotatable member, and a rod connecting said crank to the rear end of said plow beam to raise and lower it upon operation of said lever.

8. A stalk cutter comprising a frame having forward and rear ends, supporting wheels at the rear end of said frame, means for supporting the forward end of said frame and` guiding it with respect to a line of stalks, a vertical shaft mounted in said frame, transmission means connected between one-of said wheels and said shaft, a plurality of rotary cutters carried by said shaft, the lowermost cutter being arranged adjacent the bottom o'f said frame, a plow beam extending' .longitudinally of said frame adjacent the bottom thereof and having a plow point at its forward end movable beneath the surface'of the earth to uproot the stalks, and means for pivotally connecting said plow beam intermediate its length to said frame and including a member having an inclined forward portion-leading fromv the top of said plow beam upwardly to the lowermost` cutter.

9. Apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 8 wherein said plow beam is provided with a vertical slot, said member having a portion arranged in said slot, and pivot means passing through said plow beam and said member.

10'. Apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 8 wherein said plow point is detachably connected to the forward ends of' said beam and includes a flat bottom blade having a' point at its forward end and upstandingjlange portions at the sides thereof.

ll. A stalk cutter comprising a frame having forward and rearv ends, supporting `wheelsfor `the rear end of' said frame, spaced supporting shoes for the forward end. of said frame slidable over the surface of the earth, stalk cutting means within said frame engageable with stalks passing between the shoes to cut them into pieces, draft means connected to the rear end of said frame, side bars connected to the top of said frame intermediate its length, a supporting v,tongue extending forwardly from vsaid side bars, a plow carried bysaid frame and normally movable beneath the surface of the earth to uproot the stalks, and means operable be tween said side bars and the forward end of the frame for elevating the latter to lift said plow out of engagement with the earth.

12. Apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 11 provided with m ans engageable withv portions of said frame to maintain the forward end of the latter in elevated position with respect to said side bars.

13. Apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 11 whereinthe means for elevating the forward end'of said frame comprises a pair of pulleys fixed with respect to said iside bars,

a flexible member passing forwardly over each of said pulleys and downwardly for connection with the forward end of said frame, and

means for pulling the rear ends of said flexible members to elevate the forward end of said frame.

v14. Apparatus, constructed in accordance with releasing said latches.

, 7 claim l1 wherein the means for elevating the forward end of said frame comprises a pair of pulleys fixed with respect to said side bars, a

Aflexible member passing forwardly'over each lof said pulleys andI downwardly for connection with the forward end of saidv frame, means for pulling the rear ends of said flexible members to elevate the forward end of said frame, a pair of latches, said frames having forward 'portions provided with ratchet teeth engageable by said latches to hld the forward end of said frame in lelevated position, and means operable from a point adjacent the rear end of said frame for 15. A stalk cutter comprising a frame havingforward and rear ends, supporting wheels for the rear end of said frame, supporting shoes for the forward end of said frame movable over the surface of the earth and operative for guiding the forward end of said frame laterally with respect to a line of stalks, stalk cutting means arranged in said frame, 'draft means connected rto the rear end o f said [grama side bars arranged at the forward -end o said frame at the top v thereof,v said side bars diverging toward their rear ends and having their forward ends connected to said frame to swing in a horizontal plane, a supporting tongue extending'forwardly from said side bars, and steering means carried by said frame and including elements connected to the rear ends of said side bars to move them inwardly and outwardly with respect to 16. Apparatus constructed in accordance with -claim l5 wherein said steering means comprises a wheel arranged adjacent the rear end of said the rear end vof said frame, supporting shoes for the forward end of said frame movable over the surface of the earth and operative 'for`guidlng the forward end of said frame laterally with respect to a line of stalks, stalk cutting means arranged in said frame, draft means connected to the` rear end of said frame, side bars arranged at :the forward end of said frame at the top thereof, said side bars diverging toward .their rear end s andjhaving their forward ends connected to-said frame to swingin a horizontal plane, a supporting tongue extending forwardly from said side bars, a transverse bar connected to the rear en d of said side bars and supported on the top of said frame, guide means'for said transverse bar, pulleys fixed with respect to said side bars adjacent the forward endsthereof,a flexible element passing forwardly over` each of said pulleys and then downwardly forv connection` with the forward end of said frame. a transverse shaft, carried by Vsaid frame adjacent' the rear end thereof and provided with an operating handle, land a crank arm carried by said shaft adjacent each side of 'said frame and connectedv to the rear ends of said flexible elements. l

'18. Apparatus constructed in accordancev with -claim 17 wherein said frame includes forward corner postsvprovided with ratchet teeth Ari/ their rear edges, a pair of pawls fixed with respect to said side bars and engageable with the teeth of the corner posts, and means ope"- vable from the rear end of said frame for releasing said pawls.

19. A stalk cutter comprising a frame having forward and rear ends and movable over the surface of the earth, means carried by said frame for cutting stalks, means for supporting the forward end of said frame with respect vto the ground, supporting wheels for the rear end of said frame, means for transmitting power from said wheels to said cutting means, and means for elevating the rear end of said frame with respect to said wheels, said transmission means including a slidable connection for permitting elevation of said frame with respect to said wheels.

20. A stalkcutter comprising a frame having forward and rear ends and movable over the surface of the earth, means carried by Said frame for cutting stalks, supporting means for the forward end of said frame, supporting wheels for the rear end of said frame, a treadle operative for elevating the rear end of said frame with respect to said wheels, and transmission means connected between said wheels and said cutting means, said transmission means including a rotary member and a drive shaft therefor having splined connection with each other to permit elevation of the rear end of said frame with respect to said wheels.

21. A stalk cutter comprising a frame movable over the surface of the earth, an upstanding shaft, means for driving said shaft, a plurality of rotary cutting blades carried by said shaft, a circular sharpening stone for said blades,

, and means for supporting said stone with re- 22. A stalk cutter comprising a frame movable over the surface of the earth, an upstanding shaft, means for driving said shaft, a plurality of rotary cutting blades carried by said shaft, a circular sharpening stone for said blades, a rod parallel to said shaft, an arm arranged at each end of said rod, each arm being connected at one end to Said rod and pivotally connected at its opposite end to said frame, said stone being mounted for vertical and rotating movement on said rod, and means for securing said rod in adjusted positions around the pivot axis of said arms. l

23. A stalk cutter comprising a frame, means for supporting said frame for movement over the ground, a plow beam having a plow point at its forward end operative for uprooting stalks, means within said frame for cutting the stalks, means for raising and lowering said plow point, a leveler arranged rearwardly of said plow beam, and means for raising and lowering said leveler simultaneously with said plow point.

24. A stalk cutter comprising a frame, means for supporting said frame for movement over the ground, a plow beam having a plow point at its forward end operative for uprooting stalks, means within said frame for cutting the stalks, pivotal supporting means for said plow beam connected theretoV intermediate its ends, means for raising and lowering the rear end of said plow beam, a leveler arranged rearwardly of said plow beam, and a supporting lever for said leveler connected thereto at its rear end, said lever being pivotally supported intermediate its ends and having its forward end pivotally connected to said plow beam adjacent the rear end thereof.

1 PERRY W. SPELL. 

